Full Power Lasers for Night Vision (not worth it)

Published on December 22, 2021
Duration: 6:37

This video from TA Targets evaluates the effectiveness of full-power infrared lasers for night vision use, comparing them against civilian-class options. The instructor, an experienced firearms instructor, demonstrates that while full-power lasers offer superior range and brightness, civilian-class lasers with quality infrared illuminators can be sufficient for many applications. The key takeaway is that investing in a good IR illuminator is often more critical than opting for a full-power laser, especially for civilian use.

Quick Summary

For civilian night vision, investing in a quality infrared illuminator is often more critical than opting for a full-power laser. While full-power lasers offer greater range, civilian-class lasers combined with a superior IR illuminator provide sufficient capability for target identification at typical engagement distances, balancing cost and accessibility.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction to IR Lasers for Night Vision
  2. 00:45Streamlight TLR-VR2 Performance
  3. 01:53Holosun Laser-Only Unit
  4. 02:21DBAL-A3 Civilian Class Performance
  5. 03:42Steiner DBAL Full Power Performance
  6. 04:32Full Power Laser Bloom and Bloom Control
  7. 05:03The Importance of Quality Illumination
  8. 05:23Civilian Strategy: Dedicated Laser + IR Illuminator
  9. 05:47Conclusion: Seeing vs. Identifying Targets

Frequently Asked Questions

Are full-power infrared lasers worth it for civilian night vision use?

For most civilian applications, full-power infrared lasers are not worth the significant cost and difficulty in acquisition. Civilian-class lasers, when paired with a high-quality infrared illuminator, often provide sufficient capability for seeing and identifying targets at typical engagement distances.

What is the main difference between civilian-class and full-power IR lasers?

Full-power IR lasers offer greater range and brightness for their illuminator function, making them more effective at extreme distances. However, civilian-class lasers are legal, more accessible, and can be perfectly adequate when combined with a superior infrared illuminator, which is often the critical component for target identification.

Which component is more important for night vision: the IR laser or the IR illuminator?

While both are important, the quality of the infrared illuminator is often more critical for target identification at night. A powerful and well-focused illuminator allows for better situational awareness and the ability to discern details, which can be more impactful than the laser beam alone, especially at closer ranges where bloom can be an issue.

What is the recommended setup for civilian night vision laser systems?

The recommended setup for civilians is to use a dedicated civilian-class infrared laser for aiming and to invest in a separate, high-quality infrared illuminator. This approach balances legality, accessibility, and performance, allowing users to achieve excellent target acquisition and identification capabilities.

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